Malik Nabers
- Height
- 6-0
- Weight
- 200
- Age
- 23
- College
- LSU
- Drafted
- 2024 · R1 P6
- Exp
- 3
Overview
Malik Nabers is back on the field for the Giants after a torn ACL wiped out the final three-quarters of his 2025 season. Nabers tore the ACL in Week 4 of 2025, had surgery that October, then underwent a second procedure early in the 2026 offseason to address meniscus damage, which pushed back his return timeline from an original midsummer training camp target.
He avoided the physically-unable-to-perform list in camp, progressed to full team drills and remained publicly uncommitted about playing Week 1 until close to kickoff. Nabers played, and caught six passes for 69 yards in the Giants' 28-20 win over Dallas, leading all receivers in the game, including a 16-yard catch on a scoring drive before halftime.
Nabers called himself rusty afterward and said he left plays on the field. The Giants selected him sixth overall out of LSU in the 2024 draft, and he quickly became the team's top receiving target. How fast he shakes off the rust will shape how much of that identity returns to New York's offense in 2026.
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Frequently asked
- What injury did Malik Nabers have and when?
- Nabers tore his ACL in Week 4 of the 2025 season, which required surgery, followed by a second procedure in early 2026 to address meniscus damage and clean up the joint.
- Did Malik Nabers play in Week 1 of the 2026 season?
- Yes, Nabers played in the Giants' 28-20 win over the Cowboys in Week 1 2026, leading all receivers with six catches for 69 yards.
- Is Malik Nabers fully recovered from his ACL injury?
- Nabers is playing but has said he still feels "rusty" and has unchecked items on his recovery checklist, describing his return as a work in progress rather than fully complete.
- Where did Malik Nabers go to college and how was he drafted?
- Nabers played college football at LSU and was selected by the Giants with the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
- What is Malik Nabers' role on the Giants?
- Nabers is the Giants' WR1 and top receiving target, the focal point of the team's passing game since he entered the league in 2024.
- Why was there uncertainty about Malik Nabers playing Week 1?
- The Giants and Nabers were cautious given the severity of his ACL/meniscus surgery, and he stayed publicly noncommittal on his availability until close to kickoff, prioritizing full health over rushing back.
Also at wide receiver:Darnell Mooney, Braxton Berrios, Malachi Fields, Charlie Jones